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This interactive Flash simulation allows students to investigate the properties of converging lenses. The user can change the index of refraction and control the lens curvature to see how light rays are refracted by a lens. The focal length of the lens is also adjustable and the lens and object can be moved in two dimensions. The simulation is designed to help students understand how an image is formed by a lens and how changes to the lens curvature and radius affect the image appearance.

This item is part of a large collection of simulations freely available from the Physics Education Technology group at the University of Colorado. Also available for free download are inquiry-based lesson plans on Geometric Optics and Power Point presentations to supplement classroom use of the simulation. SEE RELATED ITEMS on this page for links to these additional resources.

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A great follow-up simulation after doing a classroom lab on converging lenses. Your students choose from four "objects" (pencil, star, smiley face, and arrow). They can change the curvature of the convex lens, adjust the focal length, and move the object to get a feel for how light refracts through a converging lens. Don't miss the step-by-step lesson and Power Point clicker questions created by a high school teacher specifically for use with this simulation (see Lesson Plans above).

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Related Materials (5)

PhET Simulation: Geometric Optics:

A standards-based module created by the PhET team specifically for use in secondary classrooms with the simulation Geometric Optics. Includes lesson plan, step-by-step student directions, and a set of "clicker" questions (with answers provided) for use in formative assessment.